Families sought to host exchange students

Your family can share the American way of life with a teenager from another country by hosting an exchange student.

The STS Foundation is looking for families in the Duplin County area willing to open their hearts and homes to a foreign student during the upcoming school year. The foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to intercultural exchange.

The students will bring provide their own spending money and have their own insurance.

"This is a wonderfully enriching experience that every family should participate in," said David Keating, a representative of the foundation.

He described two of the many students who stand ready to come to Duplin County:

*Marcos is 16, and he comes from Brazil. His hobbies include playing soccer, baseball, reading and playing the guitar.

*Rebekka is 16 and comes from Finland. Her hobbies include jogging, playing soccer and skiing.

Keating said the foundation expects host families to provide a comfortable, nurturing and safe environment, a separate bed, a quiet place to study and help with school registration. He said the foundation has an experienced area representative who will support families and students throughout the year.

Families who are interested are urged to contact Keating at 800-522-4678 for more information. You may also visit www.stsfoundation.org.